I was literally roped into helping a fellow teacher with the D of E expedition. She being the teacher in charge was desperate for help. Growing up close to the Gower, i was familiar with the coastline but I was unfamiliar with hiking etc. After the first expedition I was HOOKED.
I loved the camaraderie, being with other staff members and being with the pupils/ teachers.
The silly things the children did/said.
Eg,
Practice expedition -‘ we go that way look that’s what the sign post says.’
Or when they needed the toilet the reaction they had to go behind a bush.
One time I was with a group of lads and I said’ look a great climbing tree’ so the boys all climbed in and a photo taken.
When I told the main leader she replied’ that wasn’t in the safety spec’.
Ophs!
After one practice expedition the girls renamed their group after me ‘smiles for miles’ what an accolade!
I eventually became a qualified leader which in itself at my age 50+ was an achievement. I continued to help and train in preparation of expeditions until after my retirement age 57.
The D of E leadership was one of the most memorable achievements I have ever participated in equally so being with the youngsters an colleagues.
THANK YOU PRINCE PHILIP!
I still to this day have the presentation the ‘smiles for Miles group created.